Kelsey Cally

(she/her)

Kelsey has been an actor for over 15 years. Hailing from the Mitten State, aka, Michigan, she grew up running barefoot by the stream and catching frogs, instilling in her a freedom that she encourages within her students. She has a BA in Theatre Performance and Minor in Dance from Western Michigan University and an MFA in Acting from UC Irvine. Kelsey also trained at Bournemouth University where she was certified in Lecoq Technique and Mask. She also worked closely with the Royal Shakespeare Company and the Donmar Theatre. Her teaching is deeply influenced by Fitzmaurice Voicework, Clowning, Improv, Mime Techniques, and Jerzy Grotowski’s Movement and Counterbalance. Directing for 8 years, Kelsey now runs Rat + Cat Theatre co. with her husband, Landon. Directing credits include Medea Redux, Face Divided, Fat Pig, and The Salem Project. As an actor she has appeared in multiple film and commercial projects, as well as major theatres around the country. Kelsey has worked closely with Ben Mathes since 2017 and in 2022 was certified a designated instructor of Crash Acting’s unique approach to actor training. Kelsey is currently based in Chicago with her husband and 2 cats Merry and Pippin. A part of the south east artistic community, she does private coaching, leads classes, and is currently directing for the long running children’s youth theatre company, Mudlark.